Second-string scores in battle of flip-floppers

Champion trainer Willie Mullins ran a pair of flip-flopping-favourites in Punchestown’s Irish Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle today and won in unfortunate circumstances with You Oughta Know which capitalised on stablemate Port Joulain 's early exit.

Port Joulain, under stable jockey Paul Townend, was installed 6/4 favourite for the 14-runner race, but this morning had been usurped by apparent second-string You Oughta Know, with both horses trading at even-money at various stages.

In the race, leader Port Joulain (6/4 — 2/1, returned 1/1f) was pulled up after jumping only three hurdles and was later confirmed to have suffered an over-reach, while his exit simplified You Oughta Know’s (7/4 — evens - 7/4) task, eventually scoring by 11 lengths.

Winning rider Danny Mullins reported “You Oughta Know was good but it was a funny race with Paul's lad (Port Joulain) pulling up lame.

“I was a bit raw in front but ability shone through in the end and it was a good performance from him.

“He started off last season very well but whatever went wrong he seems to be back showing what he can do now. He's well able for that ground and his form last year says when it gets slower he should have no problem with it as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson